Legal Resources

Resources to help you contact a lawyer for legal advice or possible legal representation.

  • You May Already Have a Lawyer

    If you are living in DCFS custody and are pregnant or parenting, you are represented by lawyers at the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. Call 1 (800) 940-1119 to connect with your lawyers.

  • If/When/How Repro Legal Helpline

    For legal consultation and advice about abortion, pregnancy loss, birth, or a related experience, including if you think any of these experiences has contributed to DCFS action against you.

    Call (844) 868-2812 or complete this form. More information can also be found here.

  • Ascend Justice

    Call (312) 971-5932 or email intake form (Spanish version) to intake@ascendjustice.org

    If the case is an emergency, include “EMERGENCY” in the subject line. Emergencies include:

    • a DCFS case involving a safety plan or a deadline or hearing in the next 7 days;

    • Needing accommodations or time off from work to attend court, counseling, or related services;

    • Needing to move out or change locks at home for safety reasons;

    • Another parent refusing to return children or taking the children without permission;

    • An immediate safety risk

    For more information, please refer to Ascend Justice's many guides on investigations and appealing an indicated finding, all of which can be found on this page.

  • For legal resources for youth, refer to the "Resources for Youth" page.